“When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.” –James 1:13-14
What is the difference between a trial and a temptation? It is a tough question to answer, as it seems that the two seem to get blurred rather quickly. In fact, James seems to make very little distinction between the two. The word translated ‘trial’ in verses 2-11 is the same root word that is translated ‘tempted’ in verses 13-14. The word is really a neutral word.
This passage helps me to understand the dilemma I face. When I go through a trial, what is brought out most clearly is my own sinfulness and struggle with purity. It is not that the trial is evil, but rather my own sinfulness is brought to light, as I begin to think evil thoughts and to scheme everything from revenge to avoidance of anything tough.
Temptations aren’t fun. I’d just assume experience trials without them. The more we experience them, the more we understand the depth of our need for God. But we have to be able to identify when we are tempting ourselves. Do you know yourself well enough to be able to see when your own desires tempt you in the midst of trials?
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On Saturday I recieved a call from a young lady in Springfield who was in a life threatening situation. While in route my mind was bombarded with temptations and thoughts to stop at an old haunt in the area. Had I been weak I would have missed Gods perfect timing. The real purpose God had for me that day was not the girl who had been beaten, it was to assist the police to catch her pimp who had beaten her, and was trafficking drugs to Lincoln using young women as mules.
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